Spring is sprung. The grass is riz. Where winter snow the flower is. A bit of folk encouragement for all longing for a change of weather patterns. I choose to be grateful for where I am, confident that God knows our needs.
An Elder Blessing event was recently celebrated in our parish. A young man celebrated his twelfth birthday and the elders in our parish gathered to mark this passing of time with him. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share with Trust E. and be a part of this blessing. The following marks five gifts we as men may pass onto our youngsters passing through childhood.
Young Men/Older Men
Bridging the gulf between older men and the young is an opportunity for generational passing of the torch. By God’s design younger guys need older guys. Many needs exist. Let’s examine five of them.
Love: Young men need the steady love that shadows the love of the Father 1John 2:14. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Stories: Young men need to hear, “Everything’s going to be okay.” During times of failure, hard times and disasters we need to hear: This is a season. God knows your needs. Talk to me about these times. Tell us your stories of God’s faithfulness in your life situations. Be an historical anchor for the hope that God is actually involved in your daily life.
Prayer: With all the brokenness between our generations young men need encouragement not to “lose heart”. Eph 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Communicate with God. No special skills are necessary; just share your thoughts, fears and frustrations with the God who has given you life.
Self-Worth: There is no need to compete with us nor to measure yourself against us. Men of all ages need support, friendship and non-competitive camaraderie. God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.
Vulnerability: Be firm when we need it. Allow young men to ask you anything and get an honest, non-judgmental answer. We need a man that challenges us to grow, but also makes it safe for us to confess. Men yearn to receive the love of Christ and to become a skilled lover of God, friends and a woman. Be a tangible godly model of Christ 1Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.